Scenic Trail Great for Hiking

Lester Park in Duluth, Minnesota is a planned project meant to create a gathering area for the residents of the town, many of whom worked for the Lakeside Land Company. The land was set aside near the Lester River, also known by its Indian name of Busa-bika-zibi. The park is located between 60th and 61st Avenue East and Superior Street, and construction was begun on the area in 1890. The park is nearly 50 acres in size and at the time, the value of the land was just over $21,000.00. In 1888, the Lakeside Land Company donated some of the land to the U.S. government for the purpose of establishing a fish hatchery adjacent to the park. A dam was later constructed, along with a flume that carried river water to the hatchery. The hatchery is now owned by the University of Minnesota - Duluth's Limnological Society.

In 1893, the first bridge was built over the Lester River. The original footbridge was washed away years before, and this structure was complete in its place. Shortly after its construction, the bridge was a popular destination for picnics, and tables were placed near the bottom while the upper area was used as a viewing platform and for relaxing. Over the years the bridge was worn down by the elements and was completely removed from the park in 1931 due to safety issues. There are still postcard pictures available for purchase of the popular bridge, as well as pictures of visitors swimming at the park and enjoying the hatchery.

One of the most popular times a year at the park were the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend holidays. To celebrate the beginning and end of summer, people would flock to the area by carriage and automobile. The Lester Park Pavilion was a popular destination and featured refreshments, a dance area, ball fields, and a merry-go-round. The park also hosted events like fireworks displays, sack races, and pie eating contests. The amusement area was a popular attraction until the mid-1900's when it was destroyed by fire.

Those who would like to experience today's Lester Park and Trail are in for quite a hiking experience. You can still dine at the picnic tables, and cook on the grills provided by the park. There are softball diamonds, sand boxes, and a walking trail. The newer bridge, located at the lower end of the parking lot, is the best place to begin a hike. The area is marked, so you can follow signs that will lead you to the Lester River and the concrete dam. The trails take you across footbridges, exposed rock, creek beds, volcanic rock land, the old popular swimming holes like The Deeps, and areas in which proof of the Ice Age is visible. The trail also winds through forested areas where you can see speckled alder trees, willows, pines, and dogwoods. Watch out for wildlife in the area like deer, moose, and rabbits. You may want to take along your camera on the hike if you want to capture photos of these woodland creatures. The Lester Park in Duluth is a simple area, not filled with excitement or attractions, and it is no longer an amusement hotspot. But if you are looking for an area where you can picnic with your family or enjoy an afternoon hike, Lester Park is it.